Work on new cancer support centre to start

The support centre is expected to be open by Easter 2025

The construction of a new cancer support centre is set to get under way.

A ceremonial "cutting of the sod" for the new Mannin Cancers Macmillan Support Centre at the Noble's Hospital site will take place at 12:15 GMT.

The Mannin Cancers Support Group, which is spearheading the project, said contractors would then start "site enabling type works".

The charity has secured £1.7m to build the facility, which is based on Maggie's Centres in the UK.

The ceremony will be attended by the island's Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and his wife Lady Phillipa.

The facility will be built close to the main entrance to Noble's Hospital

The facility will be located on the grassy area between the visitor car park and main hospital entrance.

But the charity said there would be "minimal impact" to the daily workings of the hospital.

The group said it would offer a "warm, welcoming, caring environment" for patients and carers, which would aim to become a "haven for people affected by cancer".

Work was due to begin last summer but was subject to planning approval delays towards the end of 2023.

The facility is expected to open its doors to the public by Easter 2025.